Exploring visual journalism

Symbols of riot in Northern Ireland

More than 3,500 people were killed in Northern Ireland during 30 years of sectarian conflict that pitted Catholic nationalists seeking union with Ireland against British security forces and mainly Protestant loyalists determined to stay in the United Kingdom. Now, 15 years after a peace agreement to end what locals call “The Troubles,” deep-rooted enmity between the communities still sometimes lead to outbreaks of violence. Richard Haass, who formerly served as envoy to Northern Ireland for the United States, is in the region this week to chair all-party talks about how to address contentious issues that can still cause unrest, such as the use of symbols, flags and parades. Photos taken by Cathal McNaughton. — Reuters

A woman poses with a child’s baton, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A child poses with a snooker ball, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A woman poses with a claw hammer, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A man poses with the remains of a petrol bomb, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A man poses with an umbrella, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A child poses with a broken alcohol bottle, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A woman poses with a broken piece of mirror, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A man poses with two golf clubs, two of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A man poses with a piece of brick, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A man poses with a can of lager, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A man poses with a section of drain pipe, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A man poses with a length of mahogany, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A woman poses with a rubber ball wrapped in insulating tape, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A child poses with an unused firework, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A woman poses with a snooker ball, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A woman poses with a golf ball, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A man poses with a builders cold chisel, one of a selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, in Belfast September 4, 2013. Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

A selection of objects thrown by rioters and collected by the photographer during periods of civil unrest between December 2012 and August 2013, are seen in Belfast September 4, 2013. (Cathal McNaughton/Reuters)

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The Darkroom, the photography and video blog of The Baltimore Sun, shines a light on visually captivating stories of our past and present. It showcases the exciting work of our staff, offers tips in the craft, and highlights the emerging community of independent media makers. We want your feedback – please contact us with suggestions and ideas.

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Bob Rhodes: Very interesting read....I have read previously about terrap…